With the launch of iPad 2, Apple has also enabled FaceTime for use with its new built in cameras. The iPad 2 has two cameras, a front facing VGA camera and a 720P HD rear facing camera and both can be used with FaceTime.
You’ll see two cameras on iPad — one on the front and one on the back. They may be tiny, but they’re a big deal. They’re designed for FaceTime video calling, and they work together so you can talk to your favorite people and see them smile and laugh back at you.3 The front camera puts you and your friend face-to-face. Switch to the back camera during your video call to share where you are, who you’re with, or what’s going on around you. When you’re not using FaceTime, let the back camera roll if you see something movie-worthy. It’s HD, so whatever you shoot is a mini-masterpiece. And you can take wacky snapshots in Photo Booth. It’s the most fun a face can have.
FaceTime for iPad will allow you to make video calls to another iPad 2, iPhone 4, new iPod touch 4 or even to a Mac. However you must still be on a Wi-Fi network to use it -- still no 3G support.
Starting a FaceTime call is really simple. All you need to do is find your contacts name in your address book or favorites list, tap on the FaceTime button next to the name. This then sends an invitation to your friend’s iPad, iPhone 4, iPod touch 4 or Mac asking if they would like to join the FaceTime call. When accepted the FaceTime call begins and your friends face pops up on your device and vice versa.
The questions is, do you use FaceTime now on your iPhone 4, iPod touch 4 or Mac? Will you use it on the iPad 2? Is it the next great form of communication... or just a gimmick? Let us know in the comments!
